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Soft Target #1
Soft Target
Amazon Clicks Readers’ Book of the Month Winner; Conrad Jones, is nominated for a 'Gold Dagger' award 2014
Conrad Jones has done it again with his Alec Ramsay books. Crime thriller writing that will have you chewing your fingers as you read! ; Review
Number 1 International Crime Thriller
Soft Target No.6 Amazon bestseller lists
Soft Target II No.1 Thriller war
Soft Target III No.3 Thriller war
Soft Target 4 No.6 Amazon bestseller lists
Soft Target is the first book in a series of thrillers that follow the hunt for a nefarious killer. The book begins in famous US tourist destinations where suicide bombers cause carnage, before attacking the United Kingdom.
Soft Target III No.3 Thriller war Multi-million selling author STEPHEN LEATHER reviewed this book in the USA and described it as; `A CORKING STORY THAT KEPT ME HOOKED FROM START TO FINISH.`
STEPHEN LEATHER`S REVIEW 5.0 out of 5 stars Great fast-moving thriller, January 5, 2011 By Stephen Leather - See all my reviews (REAL NAME) This review is from: Soft Target (Soft Target Series) (Kindle Edition) This was one of the first Kindle books that I read, and it's a corker, up to the standards of Andy McNab and Chris Ryan. Fast-paced, tight prose, it kept me hooked from start to finish. I'll definitely be reading more from this author. Author and biographer,
AUTHOR GUIDES
How to write a novel in 90 days
100 Ways to publish your own book and make it a bestseller
Conrad Jones has done it again with his Alec Ramsay books. Crime thriller writing that will have you chewing your fingers as you read! ; Review
Number 1 International Crime Thriller
Soft Target No.6 Amazon bestseller lists
Soft Target II No.1 Thriller war
Soft Target III No.3 Thriller war
Soft Target 4 No.6 Amazon bestseller lists
Soft Target is the first book in a series of thrillers that follow the hunt for a nefarious killer. The book begins in famous US tourist destinations where suicide bombers cause carnage, before attacking the United Kingdom.
Soft Target III No.3 Thriller war Multi-million selling author STEPHEN LEATHER reviewed this book in the USA and described it as; `A CORKING STORY THAT KEPT ME HOOKED FROM START TO FINISH.`
STEPHEN LEATHER`S REVIEW 5.0 out of 5 stars Great fast-moving thriller, January 5, 2011 By Stephen Leather - See all my reviews (REAL NAME) This review is from: Soft Target (Soft Target Series) (Kindle Edition) This was one of the first Kindle books that I read, and it's a corker, up to the standards of Andy McNab and Chris Ryan. Fast-paced, tight prose, it kept me hooked from start to finish. I'll definitely be reading more from this author. Author and biographer,
AUTHOR GUIDES
How to write a novel in 90 days
100 Ways to publish your own book and make it a bestseller
254 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2008
90 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Conrad Jones
111 books391 followersConrad Jones is a best-selling thriller writer with 30 thriller novels.
The Anglesey Murders 10 books
The Soft Target Series 6 books
The Detective Alec Ramsay Series 6 books
The Inspector Braddick Series 4 books
The Journey Series 3 books
Cuckoos on the Mersey
18 of his books are available in audio and his novels have been translated into six languages.
He is always keen to talk to readers and writers alike, jonesconrad5@aol.com
FaceBook Conrad Jones Author
Twitter @ConradJones
The Anglesey Murders 10 books
The Soft Target Series 6 books
The Detective Alec Ramsay Series 6 books
The Inspector Braddick Series 4 books
The Journey Series 3 books
Cuckoos on the Mersey
18 of his books are available in audio and his novels have been translated into six languages.
He is always keen to talk to readers and writers alike, jonesconrad5@aol.com
FaceBook Conrad Jones Author
Twitter @ConradJones
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 22, 2011
The debut novel of Conrad Jones, a former restauranter of Manchester who got caught up in the I.R.A. bombings of 1996, which subsequently and somewhat admirably inspired Jones to write the Soft Target series. To turn a traumatic and harrowing experience as this into something productive, informative and creative is in itself a credit to Conrad Jones.
The setting is primarily in the north of England, Liverpool and Warrington hold centre stage for the novel, so living a few miles further down the motor way myself made the locations familiar and enjoyable to read about. The plot is centered around the prevention of a major terrorist attack by a dangerous and infamous islamic terrorist, with a past record of attacks on high profile global targets. The law enforcers are a terrorist task force based in Liverpool.
It is important to mention that this is Jones’ debut novel, and the scent it gives off is one of someone cutting his teeth in an area that isn’t to familiar. The plot is good, it has all the ingredients of a gripping and exhilarating thriller. However, some of the language leaves a little to be desired, it is not of the caliber of what one might expect. Not that I expect a novel to be written in the queen’s perfect English, but it has to be of the highest standard in the style that it was intended to be. For example, the work of Irvine Welch is written in a rough and ready streetwise slang, ideal for the nature of his stories. Forsyth writes with an academic, concise journalistic prose, perfect for his detail. However, I’m sure Jones is morphing his own style as his books progress.
The characters of the book were difficult to connect with also. This is no fault of the author, but the main man is a million miles away from me and I found nothing to relate to. Maybe that was just me but there didn’t seem to be much background to endear the reader to the characters other than; ‘this is the good guy and this is bad guy’. And on the unbelievable coincidences that occur in the story, I shall not mention.
I enjoyed reading about the places and locations that are familiar to the north west of England, but as a novel, I don’t think I’ll be clamouring over browsing shoppers to get my hands on the sequel. I hope that the next books in the series are an improvement on the first, which I am sure they will be (as their sales figures on Amazon suggest) but for me I’ll be looking for something different.
The setting is primarily in the north of England, Liverpool and Warrington hold centre stage for the novel, so living a few miles further down the motor way myself made the locations familiar and enjoyable to read about. The plot is centered around the prevention of a major terrorist attack by a dangerous and infamous islamic terrorist, with a past record of attacks on high profile global targets. The law enforcers are a terrorist task force based in Liverpool.
It is important to mention that this is Jones’ debut novel, and the scent it gives off is one of someone cutting his teeth in an area that isn’t to familiar. The plot is good, it has all the ingredients of a gripping and exhilarating thriller. However, some of the language leaves a little to be desired, it is not of the caliber of what one might expect. Not that I expect a novel to be written in the queen’s perfect English, but it has to be of the highest standard in the style that it was intended to be. For example, the work of Irvine Welch is written in a rough and ready streetwise slang, ideal for the nature of his stories. Forsyth writes with an academic, concise journalistic prose, perfect for his detail. However, I’m sure Jones is morphing his own style as his books progress.
The characters of the book were difficult to connect with also. This is no fault of the author, but the main man is a million miles away from me and I found nothing to relate to. Maybe that was just me but there didn’t seem to be much background to endear the reader to the characters other than; ‘this is the good guy and this is bad guy’. And on the unbelievable coincidences that occur in the story, I shall not mention.
I enjoyed reading about the places and locations that are familiar to the north west of England, but as a novel, I don’t think I’ll be clamouring over browsing shoppers to get my hands on the sequel. I hope that the next books in the series are an improvement on the first, which I am sure they will be (as their sales figures on Amazon suggest) but for me I’ll be looking for something different.
October 11, 2019
I've read a number of Conrad's book and always enjoy their fast pace action.I wasn't aware this was his first book and clearly he has moved to a higher level in his more recent series as he's now far more hard hitting and sometimes horrific in his very descriptive narrative.
Certainly worth a read although there is sometimes too much background detail which is an unwanted distraction when the story starts to pick up pace.
Now that I know this was a first attempt I can see his follow on books have really taken a step forward,but this shouldn't stop anyone reading this one as when it does get into the plot then it's a good and exciting read.
I wonder when we'll next get to catch up with Yasser.
Certainly worth a read although there is sometimes too much background detail which is an unwanted distraction when the story starts to pick up pace.
Now that I know this was a first attempt I can see his follow on books have really taken a step forward,but this shouldn't stop anyone reading this one as when it does get into the plot then it's a good and exciting read.
I wonder when we'll next get to catch up with Yasser.
June 20, 2020
This is the first book by Conrad Jones and the first I have read by this author. According to another reviewer it was originally self-published and then picked up by a proper publishing house. For an established author making one of their older books available as a free download is a good way to attract new readers, that is if that work is of sufficient merit to prompt them to buy others.
I seem to be amongst the few who lament the ever increasing number of books being released with little or no editing. I have only made it as far as page 28 and I’m not sure if I want to continue and I now question whether or not I want to read any more from this author. Perhaps his later works benefit from greater experience, maybe they are better edited but does he still treat the reader like an idiot? Do we need to be told the bomber needs privacy? “He decided to set up the truck in preparation for the attack while it was quiet, as he did not want to be disturbed and he needed to make enough time to enable him to pay a visit to the old maritime museum on the way.”
A classic case of I would probably finished this book if I had been on plane with little else available to pass the time so I’ve given it 2 stars. It showed some promise but like many readers I have a huge TBR pile and it includes authors I know will not disappoint.
I seem to be amongst the few who lament the ever increasing number of books being released with little or no editing. I have only made it as far as page 28 and I’m not sure if I want to continue and I now question whether or not I want to read any more from this author. Perhaps his later works benefit from greater experience, maybe they are better edited but does he still treat the reader like an idiot? Do we need to be told the bomber needs privacy? “He decided to set up the truck in preparation for the attack while it was quiet, as he did not want to be disturbed and he needed to make enough time to enable him to pay a visit to the old maritime museum on the way.”
A classic case of I would probably finished this book if I had been on plane with little else available to pass the time so I’ve given it 2 stars. It showed some promise but like many readers I have a huge TBR pile and it includes authors I know will not disappoint.
December 17, 2024
The first book in the Liverpool Thriller Series. Task force that follows a terrorist cell. Their atrocities include various bombings at a number of high profile destinations in the USA, before leader, Yasser Ahmed, flies into GB to begin a reign of terror there. There are some quite violent descriptions within, just in case anyone is squeamish.
April 9, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyable
A lot of detail, some local history and general knowledge all combined to produce a ripping yarn.
Terrifyingly realistic and possible the story gallops along with no self indulgent prose of the type that entertains the writer more than the reader.
A lot of detail, some local history and general knowledge all combined to produce a ripping yarn.
Terrifyingly realistic and possible the story gallops along with no self indulgent prose of the type that entertains the writer more than the reader.
March 9, 2020
Tank and the TTF are at war with axe again as Yasser sets out to wreak havoc in the USA then here in northern england can Tank,Grace and Chen stop him and his band of terrorists in time and at what cost personal and professionally.
March 11, 2020
Amazing
Can't help but have a soft spot for Tank. When a job needs doing he us the man to do it even if it's not abiding by every single rule. When terrorism strikes it need nipping in the bud and fast
Can't help but have a soft spot for Tank. When a job needs doing he us the man to do it even if it's not abiding by every single rule. When terrorism strikes it need nipping in the bud and fast
June 9, 2017
Boom!
Well plotted, action driven story that does not let up until the very last page. Looking forward to reading the next volumes in the series.
Well plotted, action driven story that does not let up until the very last page. Looking forward to reading the next volumes in the series.
August 23, 2018
Brilliant don’t need to say more!
July 20, 2020
Another great book , action from start to finish .Looking forwards to reading the other books .
August 14, 2020
I really really enjoyed this great read. Once I started I couldn’t stop. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
April 19, 2022
Ok
Th3 descriptions of physical damage don't add to the book. Hoping your next books don't have this, and can include more of the motivations... expand their personalities
Th3 descriptions of physical damage don't add to the book. Hoping your next books don't have this, and can include more of the motivations... expand their personalities
June 22, 2025
Tank, the English Jack Reacher
Brilliant start to a new series for me. Have read all of Conrad Jones other books but for some reason I didn't fancy these. But I was definitely wrong
Brilliant start to a new series for me. Have read all of Conrad Jones other books but for some reason I didn't fancy these. But I was definitely wrong
January 18, 2009
[ This is a self-published book that took off so quickly when it was published this year that a publisher bought the rights to the book within a few months of it's self-publishing.:] This is a book about an elite group of agents who track terrorists and neutralize them. At this point they are tracking one of the the most prolific and bold terrorists, Yasser Ahmed, first in the U.S. and then over to the U.K. As we watch we see how terrorists are made, why they plan to do what they do and how the simpliest plan can bring about horrific devastation. What is frightening about this book is how close to the truth the author is on terrorism and terrorists and how easily anyone or any country anywhere can become the soft target.
December 4, 2012
I'm in almost total agreement with another reviewer, Neil Wright, who says that Soft Target has a good plot but that the writing leaves something to be desired. The narrative often feels laboured and some of the dialogue is unrealistic. However, I can't deny that the story is an exciting one that whips along and makes up for some of the shortcomings. Thrillers tend to skimp on character development, and Soft Target is no different, although Jones does give the reader a perspective from both sides, which I liked. Overall Soft Target is a decent thriller and shows Conrad Jones has potential that needs work to be fully realised.
February 5, 2012
Well plotted post 7/7 terrorist thriller, with reference to many real events. Some of the explanatory bits were a little over the top (but may have been useful to a non-British reader). There were a few spelling errors, and the punctuation indicates the writer had a previous career as a greengrocer.
May 6, 2014
After reading the reviews of this book on amazon I decided that I would give it a go mainly as the book is set near where I live so if anything I can relate to the locations in the book.
I have to say apart from some of the editing in the latter part of the book this isn't a bad book at all.
The story is actually well though of and gripping enough to keep you reading on
I have to say apart from some of the editing in the latter part of the book this isn't a bad book at all.
The story is actually well though of and gripping enough to keep you reading on
June 17, 2015
This is a very thought provoking novel. It tells the story of these terrorists in such a way that it makes you feel that it is a documentary bringing to life real events. Makes the threat of terrorism feel much more real and closer to home than something distant that happens to other people on the news
May 3, 2013
This sounds like a thrilling book full of suspense. Should be very interesting and a great read. I'm really looking forward to reading this book. I love that it is part of a series so the story can continue and characters can be more involved!
November 22, 2015
This was a very realistic and uncannily close to recent events at the time of reading. It had some stark reminders about previous terrorist activities as well as a fast paced plot about a terrorist cell and its soft targets.
May 27, 2011
Pleasantly surprised as it was a cheap buy for Kindle. Will read at least the next one.
March 21, 2012
Harsh, gasp out loud story! Not what I would have thought I would have liked but I could not put this one down! Excellent.
July 29, 2012
Very good book, quite detailed and good plot.
September 13, 2015
A great book full of suspense. Story woven in and around real time events relevant to our times. I found the book hard to put down and was continually inquisitive about what is going to happen next.
April 1, 2016
I found this book quite disturbing and although I have no experience with the events that are portrayed I found it quite realistic and believable.
Want to read
July 20, 2011I am really looking forward to reading Conrad's books.
April 13, 2016
I felt the constant explanation of previous events bordered on padding.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews